Portugal: Marc Marquez suffered a “possible fracture” in his right hand after crashing out of the seasonopening Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday, organisers said.

The six-time MotoGP world champion made a mistake on lap three after starting from pole position, wiping out home favourite Miguel Oliveira in the process.

“Possible fracture to 1st metacarpal in MotoGP rider #93 Marc Marquez’s right hand,” said MotoGP on Twitter.

“He will do a further examination at Dexeus hospital in Barcelona.”

Honda’s Marquez has also been hit with a double long-lap penalty for next week’s Grand Prix in Argentina if he is passed fit.

“I apologise... This accident was my fault, I deserved to be penalised for it,” he said.

If the fracture is confirmed, it would be another injury setback for Marquez. The Spaniard, who won six top-class titles in seven years from 2013, suffered a broken arm in the opening race of the 2020 season and did not race again that campaign.

He underwent a fourth surgery on his right arm in 2022 and has also suffered from double vision.

Reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati won Sunday’s race.